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Abstract:

A cage-type animal trap with two opposed animal access openings that can
operate in a one-door-opening configuration or a two-door-opening
configuration. The trap has a set mechanism for holding one or both doors
open to allow access through the corresponding trap access openings. The
set mechanism includes a pivotally mounted set lever coupled to the doors
of the trap by an actuating member. Upon actuation, the set lever pivots
from a set position to a tripped position to allow movement of the
actuating member which enables one of the doors to move from an opened
position to a closed position when the trap is operating in a
one-door-opening configuration, and both of the doors to move from the
opened position to the closed position when the trap is operating in the
two-door-opening configuration.

Claims:

1-20. (canceled)

21. An animal trap comprising: an animal enclosure having a first animal
access opening and a second animal access opening into an interior sized
to receive an animal to be trapped; a first door movably mounted at said
first access opening, the door operative in an opened position to reveal
the first access opening and spring-biased to swing toward a closed
position to block the first access opening; a second door movably mounted
at said second access opening, the door operative in an opened position
to reveal the second access opening and in a closed position to block the
second access opening; a set mechanism having a set lever and a spring,
said set lever pivotally mounted above said animal enclosure and movable
through a range of movement between a set position and a closed position
for securing at least the first door in the opened position when the trap
is set, said spring providing said spring bias to move at least said
first door to said closed position when the trap is tripped; a first
connecting mechanism connecting said first door to said set lever; a
second connecting mechanism connecting said second door to said set
lever; and a trip mechanism configured to actuate a pivot action of the
set mechanism from the set position toward the first door to reach a
tripped position, said pivot action causing at least the first connecting
mechanism to move toward the first door and enabling at least the first
door to move from the opened position to the closed position.

22. The animal trap of claim 21, wherein said trap is configured to
operate as either a one-door-opening trap or as a two-door-opening trap,
said pivotal action of said set mechanism acting to close both doors
substantially simultaneously when the trap is operating as a
two-door-opening trap.

23. The animal trap of claim 22, wherein said first connecting mechanism
includes a first elongated flexible member having first and second ends,
said first end of said first elongated flexible member being connected to
said first door and said second end of said first elongated flexible
member being connected to said set lever.

24. The animal trap of claim 23, wherein said set lever has a U-shaped
portion and two set lever ends, said set lever being pivotally mounted by
said two set lever ends so that said U-shaped portion is movable by
pivoting on said set lever ends, said second end of said first elongated
flexible member being coupled to said U-shaped portion, said set lever
remaining coupled to said first elongated flexible member during pivotal
movement of said U-shaped portion through said set lever range of motion.

25. The animal trap of claim 24, wherein said second connecting mechanism
includes a second elongated flexible member having first and second ends,
said first end of said second elongated flexible member being connected
to said second door, and said second end of said second elongated
flexible member being connected to said U-shaped portion of said set
lever, said set lever remaining coupled to said second elongated flexible
member during pivotal movement of said U-shaped portion through said set
lever range of motion.

26. The animal trap of claim 25, wherein said first elongated flexible
member and said second elongated flexible member include a first cable
and a second cable, respectively, said trap including a cable guide
mechanism configured to engage said second cable when said trap is set
for two-door-opening operation.

27. The animal trap of claim 26, wherein said cable guide mechanism is a
wire-form hook having an opening facing the first door and a closed face
nearest the set mechanism, said second cable entering said opening and
being held against said closed face when said second cable is tensioned
between its first and second ends.

28. The animal trap of claim 27, wherein said trap further includes at
least one cable management component mounted on the top of the trap to
direct the second cable toward the cable guide mechanism.

29. The animal trap of claim 28, wherein said cable management component
includes at least one element having an opening through which said second
cable passes to keep said second cable properly aligned.

30. The animal trap of claim 29, wherein said cable management component
opening is substantially in longitudinal alignment with a point at which
said second cable is secured to the second door.

31. The animal trap of claim 29, wherein an entry edge of said hook
opening is substantially in longitudinal alignment with said cable
management component opening and said exit edge of said hook opening is
substantially in longitudinal alignment with a point at which said second
cable is attached to said U-shaped portion of said set lever.

32. An animal trap comprising: an animal enclosure having a roof and a
pair of opposed animal access openings into an interior sized to receive
an animal to be trapped; a first door movably mounted at a first access
opening, the first door operative in an opened position to reveal the
first animal access opening and in a closed position to block the first
animal access opening; a second door movably mounted at a second access
opening, the second door operative in an opened position to reveal the
second animal access opening and in a closed position to block the second
animal access opening; a set mechanism mounted on the roof of the trap
and including a pivotally mounted set lever movable between a tripped
position and a set position, said set lever configured to open at least
said first door when placed in said set position; an actuating mechanism
coupled to said set lever so as to be movable therewith and also coupled
to said first and second doors; said trap configured to operate as either
a one-door-opening trap or as a two-door-opening trap depending upon
positioning of the actuating mechanism when the set lever is placed in
the set position, said second door remaining closed when the set lever is
in the set position and the trap is operating as a one-door opening trap
and, when said trap is operating as a two-door opening trap, said set
mechanism opening both doors when placed in said set position; a trip
mechanism configured to actuate pivotal movement of the set mechanism
lever from the set position to the tripped position to enable the first
door to move from the opened position to the closed position to trap an
animal within the enclosure when said trap is operating as a one-door
opening trap; and said pivotal movement of said set mechanism lever in
response to said trip mechanism enabling both the first and second doors
to move from their open to their closed positions substantially
simultaneously to trap an animal when the trap is operating as a
two-door-opening trap.

33. The animal trap of claim 32, wherein said actuating mechanism
includes a first cable secured at a first end to said first door and at a
second end thereof to said set lever, and a second cable connected at a
first end thereof to said second door and at a second end thereof to said
set lever.

34. The animal trap of claim 33, wherein said trap includes a cable guide
for directing the second cable through a 180 change in direction when
said trap is operating as a two-door opening trap, said second cable
being disengaged from said cable guide when said trap is operating as a
one-door opening trap.

35. The animal trap of claim 34, wherein said trap further includes a
cable management component mounted on top of the trap, said cable
management component having at least one opening therein through which
said second cable passes to keep said second cable properly aligned.

36. The animal trap of claim 35, wherein said cable management component
includes a longitudinally extending handle having handle bases mounted on
top of the trap, said handle bases having respective openings extending
longitudinally therethrough and in longitudinal alignment with one
another to receive said second cable, said handle openings being
substantially in longitudinal alignment with a point at which said first
end of said second cable is secured to the second door.

37. The animal trap of claim 35, wherein an entry edge of said cable
guide is substantially in longitudinal alignment with said opening in
said cable management component and an exit edge of said cable guide is
substantially in longitudinal alignment with a point at which said second
end of said second cable is attached to said set lever.

38. The animal trap of claim 34, wherein said cable guide is mounted on
said second door.

39. The animal trap of claim 38, wherein said second cable extends from
said second door, through the cable management component opening, along
the cable guide where said second cable is directed through said 180
degree change in direction, and to the set lever when the trap is set and
operating as a two-door opening trap.

Description:

[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.
12/292,218 filed Nov. 13, 2008, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 8,046,953 on
Nov. 1, 2011, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
11/600,085 filed Nov. 16, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,757,427, the priority
of which is hereby claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to cage-type animal traps of the kind
generally used outdoors for trapping small to medium sized animals
without harming the trapped animal. Such traps commonly comprise a cage
of metal wire mesh or the like with a door held open by a trigger
mechanism until an animal is lured into the trap by suitable pre-inserted
bait. After the animal enters the interior of the trap, the animal's
weight pressed against the trigger actuates a trip which releases and
closes the door, thereby trapping the animal inside the cage.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Cage traps of the prior art have specific setting and releasing
mechanisms which typically consist of a pan, a trigger rod, a latching
device, a door, a locking device and sometimes a spring member. To set
the trap, the locking device must be disengaged. A door is then opened
and a latch is set. The location of each of these components on the trap
requires the use of two hands. In order to release the trapped animal,
once again the locking device must be disengaged, the door must be opened
and the latch set. Again, these steps require the use of two hands and
involve close contact with the animal. There is thus a need for a
cage-type trap that provides the user with an easy, essentially
one-handed method of setting the trap. There is also a need for a
cage-type trap where the user can easily release a trapped animal without
subjecting the user to close contact with the trapped animal.

[0006] Another problem with the prior art cage traps is the complexity and
unreliability of the trigger or actuation mechanism used to initiate the
door closure. With prior art designs having complicated setting
structures, the force required to trip the trap can vary. This results in
either a failure to capture the animal, if the required force is too
great, or false trips due to a lack of stability in the set position.
Complex trigger or actuation mechanisms also make it difficult to set the
traps and increases the risk of malfunction. There is thus a need for a
cage trap that provides a trigger mechanism having a simple mechanical
design which is easy to set, consistent in trip force, and reliable in
use.

[0007] The foregoing problems also arise with two-door traps, creating a
need for a two-door-opening trap that can be reliably and consistently
set without close contact with the animal and while essentially requiring
only one hand. A further advantageous capability for which there is a
need is a two-door-opening trap that can be selectively used by the user
in both one-door-opening and two-door-opening configurations.

[0008] It is to the solution of these and other problems that the present
invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to one-door and two-door
cage-type animal traps that include a wire mesh animal enclosure made up
of a base, a pair of opposed sidewalls emanating from the base, a rear
wall secured to the sidewalls and the base, a roof secured to the tops of
the sidewalls and the rear wall, and a front end provided with an animal
access opening defined by the base, sidewalls, and roof.

[0010] In a single-door-opening embodiment of the trap, a door is movably
mounted at the front end and operates in an opened position to reveal an
animal access opening and in a closed position to block the animal access
opening. A torsion spring operatively connected to a locking yoke urges
the door toward its closed position. The door is held in its open
position by an over-center-type set mechanism which is mounted on the
roof and includes a cable assembly that extends to a point of connection
on the door.

[0011] In addition to the cable assembly, the over-center set mechanism
further includes a set mechanism platform attached to the roof with a
transversely extending set lever bracket mounted thereon. A generally
U-shaped set lever is pivotally coupled to both ends of the bracket so as
to be movable through slightly more than 180 degrees from one side of the
bracket in the set position to the other side of the bracket in the
tripped position. Generally centered on the set lever is a lever grip
that can be grasped by a user when setting the trap to facilitate
placement of the set lever in the set position. The grip also ensures
that the cable end opposite the door connection, which is attached to the
set lever, is prevented from sliding left or right on the lever. The
over-center set mechanism is coupled to a trip mechanism for initiating
activation of trap closure.

[0012] The trip mechanism is in the form of a bait pedal movably mounted
in the animal enclosure with a trip rod and link assembly secured to the
pedal and to the over-center set mechanism. When an animal enters the
animal enclosure, the weight of the animal moves the pedal which causes
the trip rod and link assembly connected thereto to move and initiate
rotation of the set lever. The connections between the trip rod and link
assembly and the set lever are preferably metal-on-metal for repeatable
frictional behavior. Once the set lever has pivoted from the set position
beyond a point of equilibrium, i.e., over center, the weight of the door
and the spring force of the torsion spring provided through the cable
causes the set lever to rotate. This movement, in turn, moves the door
from the opened position to the closed position, thereby trapping the
animal in the animal enclosure.

[0013] A handle is mounted on the set mechanism platform in about the
center of the trap and extends longitudinally with the length of the
trap. In one preferred embodiment that allows the handle to be centered,
the cable attachment point on the grip is offset relative to the center
of the set lever so that the cable lies along one side of the handle.

[0014] According to a two-door-opening embodiment of the trap, the handle
is further provided with a slot passing longitudinally through the handle
mounting bases of the handle, which bases are attached to the set
mechanism platform. A second cable assembly extends to a point of
connection on the second door, passes through the slot and then is
redirected 180 degrees, defining a curved portion, to connect to the set
lever next to the connection point of the first cable. To open the second
door along with the first door when setting the trap, the curved portion
of the second cable is first looped over a cable guide mechanism mounted
on the top of the trap between the set mechanism platform and the front
edge of the trap adjacent the first door. The cable guide mechanism then
acts as a pulley to assist in tensioning the second cable and raising the
second door when the set lever is moved to the set position. At the same
time, the first cable mechanism acts to raise the first door in the same
manner as in the single-door-opening trap. The two-door-opening trap can
selectively be operated as a one-door-opening trap by not engaging the
second cable with the cable guide mechanism in which case only the first
door is raised when the set lever is placed in the set position.

[0015] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide one-door
and two-door cage traps demonstrating mechanical simplicity for ease of
setting the trap and having reliable stability once set.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide cage
traps having pivot points that demonstrate consistent frictional behavior
to enable highly repeatable tripping of the trap at an essentially
constant trigger force level.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide cage traps
which can be safely and easily set, and from which a trapped animal can
be safely and easily released, by the user using only one hand.

[0018] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide cage
traps having a simplified mechanism for safely and easily setting the
trap from a stable centered position on the trap.

[0019] It is still another object of the present invention to provide cage
traps having an improved mechanism for safely and easily releasing an
animal from the trap from a stable centered position on the trap.

[0020] It is yet another objection of the present invention to provide a
cage trap having two openable doors which can be set selectively to
operate as either a one-door or a two-door trap.

[0021] Additional objects of the invention include, for example, the
provision of one-door and two-door cage traps which are durable, reliable
and user friendly, which are animal friendly and which trap the animal
safely in a humane manner, and which can be manufactured from readily
available components and in a cost-effective manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention
will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of this
specification including the accompanying drawings. While intending to
illustrate the invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a one-door embodiment of the
present inventive trap in a tripped position with the door of the trap
closed.

[0024]FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 1, depicting the
torsion spring as installed to bias the locking yoke against the door.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a torsion spring used to bias the
door of the trap of FIG. 1 toward its closed position.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cable assembly connected
between the set mechanism and the door in the trap of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the over-center set mechanism of
the trap of FIG. 1.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a top view of the over-center set mechanism of FIG. 4.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the set lever used in the
over-center set mechanism of FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the over-center set mechanism
used in setting the trap of FIG. 1.

[0031]FIG. 8 is a side view showing the set condition of the over-center
set mechanism of FIG. 7.

[0032]FIG. 9 is a side view showing the balanced condition of the
over-center set mechanism of FIG. 7.

[0033]FIG. 10 is a side view showing the tripped condition of the
over-center set mechanism of FIG. 7.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the trip rod and link
assembly used in the trap of FIG. 1.

[0035]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an
over-center set mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an
over-center set mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an
over-center set mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a two-door-opening trap shown in
the tripped condition in accordance with the present invention, with an
over-center set mechanism of the type shown and described in FIGS. 1 and
4.

[0039]FIG. 15B is another perspective view of the trap shown in FIG. 15A
and from the same side, illustrating the slack in the cables when the
trap is not set.

[0040]FIG. 15c is a perspective view of the trap shown in FIG. 15B from
the opposite side.

[0041]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the trap of FIG. 15 just prior to
being set in the two-door-opening configuration.

[0042]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the trap of FIG. 16 in the set
condition.

[0043] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the trap of FIG. 15 in the set
condition of the one-door-opening configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] In describing preferred embodiments, of the present invention
illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the
sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to
the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that
each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in
a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, a one-door cage trap of the present invention,
generally designated by reference numeral 10, includes a box-like cage
having an elongated base 12 and corresponding roof 14 and opposed
sidewalls 16 and 18 preferably formed and folded from a single piece of
wire mesh. The sidewalls extend between the longitudinal edges 20 and 22
of the base 12 and the longitudinal edges 24, 26 of the roof 14 to define
planes that are essentially parallel to each other. The base and roof are
also essentially parallel with one another. The rear of the trap is
closed by a rear wall 28 which is secured to the base 12, roof 14 and
sidewalls 16, 18 by attachment elements 30.

[0046] In the embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1, the base 12,
roof 14 and side walls 16, 18 include wire elements 32, 34 welded at
their crossing points to form generally rectangular apertures 36, with
the side walls bent up and down at substantially right angles from the
base and roof, respectively. The rectangular apertures 36 are
approximately 1'' square.

[0047] Alternatively, the cage structure can include a base and two
upwardly extending sidewalls to which are mounted an elongated cover or
roof 40 which may preferably be stamped from sheet metal (see FIGS.
12-14). The rectangular roof generally consists of a piece of sheet metal
formed to provide edges that bend over the corresponding wire of the trap
body. Cage traps of this type are known, as representatively set forth in
copending application, U.S. Ser. No. 11/097,195 (also assigned to the
assignee of this application), which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein as if set forth in its entirety.

[0048] In order to hold an animal within the enclosure, a trap door
mechanism, generally designated by reference numeral 44, is provided that
includes an elongated door 46 preferably made of sheet metal. The upper
portion of the door 46 is pivotally connected to the roof by bent tabs
48. The end of the trap on which the door is mounted is herein referred
to as the forward end, while the end adjacent the rear wall is the
rearward end.

[0049] A door lock plate 50 is positioned horizontally and secured along
the lower edge 52 of the door panel. Alternatively, the lock plate 50
could be an integral component of the door 46 if stamped or otherwise
formed in the door. A U-shaped locking wire yoke 60 has a lower portion
62 which wedges up against the corner created by the upper edge 64 of the
door lock plate 50 and the outer surface 54 of the door when the door is
in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. The ends 66 and 68 of the
yoke are rotatably coupled to the sidewalls 16, 18 through door pivot
plates 70 and retained by retaining elements 72.

[0050] A torsion wire spring 74, shown installed in the enlarged view of
FIG. 1A and alone in FIG. 2, is provided to bias the yoke 60 in a
downward direction toward the door. One end of the yoke 60 is inserted
into the center opening 73 of the torsion spring coil 75, with one arm 71
of the torsion spring engaging the yoke 60 and the other arm 77 of the
torsion spring deflected and engaging the roof 14. In this configuration
the spring 74 forces the yoke against the door.

[0051] The bottom portion 76 of the door lock plate 50 contains a hole
(not shown) which receives one end of a cable assembly, generally
designated by the reference numeral 78, as shown in FIG. 3. The cable
assembly 78 includes a cable 80 that passes through the hole of plate 50
and is prevented from pulling back out by a plug 82 secured to the
door-connecting end of the cable. From the plug 82, the cable 80 passes
beneath the lower portion 62 of the yoke 60 and over the outer surface 54
of the door 46 in an upward direction to pass over the top of support
wire 84 and above the roof 14. The end of the cable opposite the
door-connecting end has an eyelet 86 coupled thereto for attachment to
the set lever as hereafter described.

[0052] An over-center set mechanism, generally designated by reference
numeral 90 and shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, is mounted on top of the
roof 14 and includes a set mechanism platform 92 secured to the
longitudinal edges 24, 26 of the roof 14 by flange tabs 94 that are bent
to encircle corresponding portions of the wire mesh. A transversely
extending set lever bracket 96 is mounted on the platform 92. The bracket
96 includes two upwardly extending arms 98, 99 adjacent the ends of the
bracket, respectively, with each arm 98, 99 having a substantially
circular hole 100 therethrough.

[0053] A generally U-shaped set lever 102 is pivotally coupled at each end
to the arms 98, 99 of the bracket 96 so as to be movable through slightly
more than 180 degrees, from a rearward position on one side of the
bracket to a forward position on the other side of the bracket. A
preferred embodiment of the set lever is shown in FIG. 6. As will be
discussed hereinafter, the trap may be operatively designed with the set
lever moving less than 180 degrees such that movement of the lever from
one side of the bracket to the other is not necessary.

[0054] Specifically, other configurations in which the set lever is
movable through a lesser or greater range of motion may be constructed,
as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. In sum,
the amount of angular movement required depends on the cable travel
needed to open the door from the closed position and the radial distance
between the set lever axis and the point where the cable attaches to the
set lever. More particularly, the required angle through which the set
lever must travel is the difference between the set position, in which
the door is open, and the point in the travel of the set lever at which
the door is closed such that the cable is no longer under tension. Travel
beyond this angle does not result in further door movement but merely
increases the degree of slack in the cable. Some degree of slack may be
beneficial from a practical standpoint as it increases the manufacturing
tolerances, thus reducing the dimensional precision required for the
components. A cable length that is about one inch longer than the minimum
required length is preferred. Longer cables can, of course, be used with
the understanding that there will be a greater degree of cable slack in
the door-closed position.

[0055] In practical terms, the disclosed configuration in which the set
lever travels through approximately 180 degrees is optimal, since this
geometry allows for the smallest set lever radius, i.e., the smallest
radial distance between the set lever axis and the cable attachment point
on the set lever. The disclosed set lever configuration also allows for
the lowest trap profile since the set lever can rest nearly flat against
the roof in the tripped condition. This angular movement of the set lever
does not, however, require that the cable be tensioned through a
corresponding distance. Instead, the "active" range of cable travel in
which the cable is tensioned and actually controlling door movement can
be much smaller than the total travel of the set lever.

[0056] Manual movement of the set lever 102 is facilitated by a set lever
grip 104 that is mounted on the lever. The grip 104 has a central channel
105 for receiving the yoke portion of the U-shaped lever 102 and an inset
channel 106 for accommodating the eyelet 86 coupled to the lever
attachment end of the cable 80. The cable assembly is attached to the
lever by passing the lever through the eyelet 86. The grip is then
mounted on the lever and secured in place by screws or the like. The
cable 80 is thus prevented from sliding along the lever through
containment thereof within the channel 106 in the grip 104. The cable
assembly is tensioned by the spring-to-close bias of the door as provided
by the torsion spring 74, as well as the weight of the door when the door
is open.

[0057] The lever 102 includes first and second straight leg portions 114
and 116 at respective ends thereof that extend outwardly and have a
generally cylindrical shape for passing through the holes 100 in the arms
98, 99 of the bracket 96. The first straight leg portion 114 is prevented
from disengaging axially from its respective arm by a retaining element
118. The second straight leg portion 116 includes a crank arm portion 115
and is pivotally connected to a trip mechanism, generally designated by
reference numeral 120, for initiating activation of trap closure.

[0058] The lever 102 has an "over-center" action during setting and
tripping that enables the over-center set mechanism 90 to operate
reliably and repeatably. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the pivot axis 122 of
the set lever 102, along with the tension vector of the cable 80, defines
a region of free travel 126 and a roughly symmetric region 128 where
travel is limited by a stop 129. The line separating these two regions,
where the cable force passes through the pivot axis, represents the plane
of equilibrium 130.

[0059] The cable force direction or vector is defined by two points: the
cable fulcrum 132 near the front of the trap above the door, and cable
connection point 134 where the cable attaches to the set lever 102. Since
the location of the cable fulcrum 132 near the door does not change, the
cable force direction varies only with the angle of the set lever. If the
cable connection point 134 is in the region of free travel 126, the lever
is free to move and the cable force causes the lever to rotate, allowing
the door to close. If the cable connection 134 is in the region of
limited travel 128, the cable force also causes the set lever to rotate,
but in the opposite direction, and only until it encounters the stop 129.
The result is that, as the set lever 102 is pulled from the "door closed"
position through the region of free travel, the cable force bias is
directed to close the trap. As the movement of the set lever continues
and passes the balance or equilibrium point, i.e., the "over-center"
plane, the force bias of cable 80 is directed to pull the set lever
against the stop 129 and hold the trap in the open or set state, as shown
in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this set state, the axis of the cable 80 lies below
the lever pivot axis 122 and the trap is stable so as not to trip the set
mechanism 90 should it be lightly jarred. According to a preferred
embodiment, the stop is incorporated into the set lever grip 104, which
comes into direct contact with the surface of the platform 92 to
establish the open-state bias without a separate stop 129 on the
platform.

[0060] Upon activation of the over-center set mechanism 90, the lever 102
moves upwardly in the limited travel region 128, away from the stop 129.
When the cable axis passes through the lever pivot axis 122, the
over-center point or plane of equilibrium 130 is reached and the set
mechanism is in a balanced condition, as shown in FIG. 9. As the set
lever continues to move, the set mechanism enters the trip condition in
which the set lever is free to travel. In this free travel region 126,
the cable axis lies above the lever pivot axis 122, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0061] The magnitude of the open-state bias is determined by the open
state bias offset 138 which is the minimum distance, measured
perpendicular as shown in FIG. 7, between the pivot axis 122 and the
force vector of the cable 80 when the set lever is against the stop. As
noted earlier, the force vector of the cable is defined by the cable
fulcrum 132 near the door and the point 134 where the cable attaches to
the set lever.

[0062] The open-state bias offset 138 serves two functions. First, it
provides a stable set condition by resisting self-firing and, second, it
establishes the torque required to trip the set mechanism. Thus, the trip
force or tripping torque can be adjusted by adjusting the stop position,
with the tripping torque being equal to the product of the cable force
and the open state bias offset. A stop position that sets the cable force
vector closer to the pivot axis 122 results in a lower required trip
force while a stop position that sets the cable force vector farther from
the pivot axis results in a higher required trip force. In the same way,
the tripping torque can also be adjusted by raising or lowering the pivot
axis as this will also increase or decrease the open state bias offset,
respectively.

[0063] Tripping the set mechanism 90 is accomplished by providing
sufficient torque to the set lever 102 to overcome the tripping torque.
According to the present invention, because the open-bias torque
decreases as the mechanism is tripped, the mechanism becomes easier to
trip as it is moved in the direction of tripping. This aids the
transition between the set and tripped conditions.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 11, the trip mechanism 120 includes a trip rod and
link assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 142, movably
coupled to a bait pedal 144 that is movably mounted to the base 12 so as
to be within the animal enclosure area. The trip rod and link assembly
142 has a link element 146 movably coupled with a trip rod, generally
designated by reference numeral 148. The trip rod 148 has a generally
L-shaped configuration with a first elongated member 150 generally
aligned with the link element 146 and a second arm 152 extending in a
generally horizontal direction and engaging with the upper portion 154 of
the pedal 144. If desired, the free end of the second arm may be retained
within the sidewall 18 by a suitable retainer 153.

[0065] The joint, generally designated by reference numeral 156, between
the link element 146 and trip rod 148 is shown as being formed between
linked loop portions 158, 160 of the two members. Similarly the joint
between the link element 146 and the lever arm 116 is effected by linked
loop portions 157, 159 of the two members. Other joint constructions
could also be used, so long as they provide sufficient freedom of
movement between the trip rod and link, and between the link element and
the lever arm, to effect the over-center action of the set lever 102 and
the collapsible linkage as shown in FIG. 1.

[0066] The bait pedal 144 serves as the force input location for the
over-center set mechanism 90. The bottom edge 162 of the pedal 144 is
rotatably secured to the bottom of the cage by bent crimps 164 which are
evenly spaced along the bottom edge 162 and bent around one of the wires
of the wire mesh. The upper portion 154 of the pedal 144 is affixed to
the trip rod.

[0067] When an animal enters the animal enclosure, the weight of the
animal applies downward pressure on the upper portion 154 of the bait
pedal 144, causing the pedal to pivot along its bottom edge 162. This
movement causes the trip rod and link assembly 142 to pull down upon the
linked looped portion 159 of the set lever 102 a sufficient distance and
with sufficient force to initiate rotation of the set lever. Once the set
lever has rotated beyond the plane of equilibrium 130, the set lever
reaches the region of free travel 126 as tension force transmitted by the
cable, under the action of the torsion spring 74 and the weight of the
door 46, moves the set lever 102 from the rearward side of the set lever
bracket 96 to the forward side thereof. This movement allows the door 46
to move from the opened position to the closed position, thereby trapping
the animal in the animal enclosure.

[0068] A handle 166 is preferably mounted on the set mechanism platform 92
in about the center of the trap and extends longitudinally with the
length thereof. The channel 106 within the grip 104 is offset relative to
the center of the set lever 102 so that the cable 80 lies along one side
of the handle 166.

[0069] In order to set the trap 10 from its door closed condition, the
trap is first placed on the ground or a supporting surface. By grasping
the hand grip 104 and lifting it from the roof 14, the set lever 102 can
be pivoted from its forward position rearwardly until it passes the point
of equilibrium at which point the grip, in response to the force exerted
by the torsion spring 74 through the cable bias, will move easily to come
into abutment with the upper surface of the platform 92 in the lever's
rearward position or stop 129, as desired. Rearward movement of the lever
results in the cable 80 being pulled in a rearward direction to rotate
the door 46 on the tabs 48 in an upward direction and set the door in a
loaded position. Having accomplished this action with one hand, the trap
is now set, awaiting the entrance of an animal to activate the trap.

[0070] To entice an animal into the trap, a suitable bait is inserted into
the interior of the trap behind the pedal 144. When the animal enters the
trap and steps on the pedal 144, the pedal is rotated in a downward
direction which causes the trip rod and link assembly 142 to pull the
trip rod in a downward direction. This pulls downwardly on the extended
arm 116, crank arm 115 and loop 159 of the set lever 102 which, given the
shape of the lever, causes the lever to rotate and the U-shaped portion
to lift upwardly. Once the plane of equilibrium is passed, the torsion
spring and the weight of the door 46 cause the door to rotate in a
downward direction to rapidly close the interior space 70 and trap the
animal within the cage 10.

[0071] During downward rotation of the door 46, the downwardly biased yoke
60, through the urging of torsion spring 74, presses up against the upper
surface 54 of the door 46 and becomes lodged in the corner created by the
upper edge 64 of the door lock plate 50 and the outer surface 54 of the
door 45 when the door is in the closed position. Under these conditions,
if the animal tries to open the door, the lower portion 62 of the yoke
will press against the door lock plate 50 preventing the animal from
rotating the door in an upward direction.

[0072] When the user desires to release a trapped animal, the user follows
a procedure similar to setting the trap. Initial rearward movement of the
grip 104 tensions the actuating cable 80 which, because the cable passes
underneath the lower portion 62 of the locking yoke 60, causes the yoke
60 to be lifted in an upward direction disengaging from the top edge of
the door lock plate by the urging of the cable 80. Accordingly, a trapped
animal can be released by a person located at the rear of the trap by
lifting the hand grip 104 from the roof past the point of equilibrium and
allowing the set lever 102 to move to its rearward position.

[0073] As used herein, the term "trip rod and link assembly" is intended
to have its broadest meaning and can include cable or other trigger
mechanisms to pull the set lever 102 when the pedal 144 is rotated to its
downward position. In addition, those skilled in the art can appreciate
that the trigger rod could be formed with the link as one piece, such as
by molding. The bait pedal could also be integral with the rod. Other
trip mechanisms with which the animal interacts, as by pulling, could be
substituted for pedal 144 and be formed as part of the trigger rod.

[0074] A second embodiment of a trap with an over-center set mechanism in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 12, with the
set lever 170 shown in the "set" condition. The pivot axis is defined by
the two points 172, 174, in upstanding brackets 173 fixed onto the roof
40, while the tensed cable 80 pulls on the set lever 170 at the point
178. The set lever 170 is essentially planar and is coupled to the bait
pedal 180 with a jointed collapsible linkage 182. When the bait pedal is
rotated downwardly, the linkage pulls down on crank arm 181 to rotate set
lever 170 past over-center to thus close the trap door in the manner
previously described. The trap is set in the same manner.

[0075] A third embodiment of the over-center set mechanism of the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 13. As shown, this embodiment employs a
modified unitary trip rod 184 and a compact set lever 186 with a
longitudinally extending grip 188 fitted thereon. The set lever 186 is
provided with integrally formed loops 185 and hooks 187. The loops 185
receive the ends 183 of a wire mount 181 affixed onto a sheet metal roof
240. The ends 183 are rotatably movable within the loops 185 and provide
the rotation axis for the set lever 186.

[0076] The set lever 186 and trip rod 184 engage when the trap is set, and
disengage when the trap is tripped. The trip rod 184 has an upper portion
189 with a centrally located dip 191 that is positioned between the hooks
187 when the set lever is in the set position, as shown in FIG. 13. When
the door is closed (the trap is tripped), the dip 191 of the trip rod 184
rests on the roof 240 under the weight of the trip rod and that of the
attached bait pedal 180 and pedal rod 179. In such condition, the set
lever 186 is not in contact with the trip rod 184 and the hooks are in a
position behind the trip rod 184 and facing rearwardly. The dip 191 holds
the upper portion 189 of the trip rod 184 off the roof 240 so that the
upper portion can be caught by the hooks to set the trap.

[0077] As the set lever 186 is lifted from the door closed position to set
the trap, the hooks 187, which are offset from the rotation axis defined
by the ends 183, rotate from their position behind the trip rod, through
a path where they contact the upper portion 189 of the trip rod on either
side of the dip 191 and lift the trip rod 184 into the set position above
the roof 240. In the set position, the trip rod supports the bait pedal
180 above the floor of the trap. When force is applied to the bait pedal
180, the trip rod pulls downwardly on the hooks 187, supplying torque to
the set lever 186 via the offset of the hooks from the rotation axis, to
overcome the open-state bias and trip the trap. The distance between the
loops and the roof is greater than the length of the hooks so that the
hooks clear the roof as the set lever rotates. As the set lever continues
through its motion, the hooks disengage with the trip rod, allowing the
dip of the trip rod to return to rest against the roof.

[0078] In a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the modified unitary trip
rod 184 and wire mount 181 of the FIG. 13 embodiment are used with a set
lever 190 that is attached directly to the trip rod such that the set
lever and trip rod are always engaged. However, engagement of the "knee"
portion 192 of the set lever with the ends 183 of the wire mount 181 only
occurs when the trap is set. Specifically, from the tripped position in
which the door is closed, the set lever 190 is pulled rearwardly so that
the knee portion 192 engages the ends 183 of the wire mount 181. Once
engaged thereon, the set lever is rotated into the over-center set
position as in the other embodiments and shown in FIG. 14.

[0079] A two-door-opening embodiment of the trap according to the present
invention, generally designated by reference numeral 200, is shown in
FIGS. 15A-18. According to the two-door-opening embodiment, a second door
246 is provided opposite the first door 46 so that both ends of the trap
can be opened. Advantageously, the same trap can be operated as a
one-door-opening trap, providing the user with a two-in-one design that
provides the respective advantages and functionality of both one-door and
two-door traps in a single unit.

[0080] To control movement of the second door 246, a second cable assembly
generally designated by reference numeral 278, having a second cable 280
is secured between the set lever 102 and a point of attachment, generally
designated by reference numeral 282, on the second door (see FIG. 17). To
allow the single movement of the set lever from one side of the bracket
96 to the other side to activate both cable assemblies 78, 278, a cable
guide mechanism, generally designated by reference numeral 205, is
mounted on the top of the trap between the set platform 92 and the front
top edge 207 of the trap. The cable guide mechanism 205 alters the
direction of the second cable 280, turning it 180 degrees back upon
itself so that, conceptually, the second cable has identifiable
"portions". A door portion 281 of the second cable extends from the
second door 246, past the set lever 102, to the cable guide mechanism
205. At the guide mechanism 205 the second cable 280 bends 180 degrees to
define a curved U-turn portion 283 which then extends into a set lever
portion 285 of the second cable (see FIG. 17). The set lever portion 285
of the second cable runs generally parallel with the door portion 281
thereof and ends at the attachment point within the grip 104 on the set
lever 102. These "portions" of the second cable are identified herein for
explanation purposes and do not represent particular lengths within the
cable itself. Rather, the "portions" shift along the cable depending upon
whether the trap is set or tripped.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A-18, the
cable guide mechanism 205 is embodied as a wire-form hook 211. Other
mechanisms may also be used to effect the 180 degree U-turn such as
pulleys, guide tubes, spools, a cam, etc., as would be understood by
persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0082] The wire-form hook 211 forms a channel 213 having an opening 215
facing the front edge 207 of the trap, and away from the second door 246,
and a closed face 217 nearest the set lever 102. The second cable 280 is
received within the channel 213, passing from an entry side thereof,
generally designated by reference numeral 221, to an exit side generally
designated by reference numeral 223. When the trap is set, the second
cable is tensioned against the closed face 217.

[0083] Proper cable positioning is preferably augmented by the inclusion
of a cable management component on the roof of the trap. According to the
preferred embodiment shown, the cable management component is embodied as
slots 225 respectively formed in the mounting bases 266 of the handle
166. The slots 225 extend longitudinally through each of the mounting
bases 266 and are in substantially linear alignment with one another,
with the point 282 at which the second cable 280 attaches to the second
door 246, and with the entry side 221 of the cable guide mechanism 205.
By this linear alignment, the second cable 280 extends from the point of
attachment 282 on the second door 246, through the aligned handle slots
225 and then to the entry side 221 of the cable guide mechanism 205 in an
essentially straight line that is substantially parallel with the
longitudinal edges 287 of the trap. From the entry side 221, the cable
curves over the closed face 217 of the guide mechanism and then out the
exit side 223 thereof. The exit side 223 of the guide mechanism 205 is
preferably in substantial alignment with the point at which the second
cable connects to the set lever so that the door and set lever portions
281, 285 of the second cable run generally parallel with one another. The
second cable can be attached to the set lever by an eyelet (not shown)
similar to eyelet 86 used to attach the first cable.

[0084] The cable management component may alternatively be embodied as a
structure separate from the handle, such as an eye-hook or other
ring-forming structure through which the second cable may be passed to
ensure proper alignment thereof.

[0085] In the unset condition shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, the set
lever 102 is adjacent the first door 46 and the cables 80, 280 are not
tensioned. The second cable 280 passes from the point of attachment 282
on the second door 246, through the handle slots 225 and then into the
curved portion 283 where the second cable doubles back to its connection
point on the set lever 102.

[0086] To set the trap for two-door-opening operation, the curved portion
283 of the second cable is looped over the cable guide mechanism 211 to
place the second cable in the channel 213 as shown in FIG. 16. Both trap
doors 46, 246 are then configured to be opened when the trap is set by
moving the set lever toward the second door 246. The first door 46 is
opened through direct tensioning of the first cable 80 which is connected
to the first door 46 and movable with the set lever as has already been
described. The second door 246 is similarly lifted by tensioning of the
second cable 280 which draws the second cable through the cable guide
channel 213, from the entry side 221 to the exit side 223 thereof, as the
set lever is moved away from the cable guide 205 to the set position. The
trap as set in the two-door-opening configuration is shown in FIG. 17.

[0087] The two-door trap can also be used as a one-door trap, providing
the user with versatility in operation. For one-door-opening operation,
the trap is taken from the unset position shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, in
which the curved portion 283 of the second cable is not engaged with the
cable guide mechanism 205, to the position shown in FIG. 18 by moving the
set lever 102 toward the second door 246. Because the second cable is not
engaged, movement of the set lever 102 opens only the first door 46 while
the second door 246 remains closed.

[0088] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to
the illustrated embodiments described herein. Modifications and
variations of the above described embodiments of the present invention
are possible as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the
above teachings.